Geelong Arts Centre's Grant applications are now open for local artists to develop their next new work

Geelong Arts Centre has issued a call-out for six local artists to share $64,000 in cash and in-kind studio access and mentorship as part of their Creative Engine Grant program.

Now in its sixth year, the Creative Engine program offers direct support to local performing artists and those with a connection to the Geelong and G21 community to access, studio space and resources to create, workshop and develop new and exciting work.

Offering both cash support and in-kind access to Geelong’s Arts Centre’s world-class studios and co-working space, these grants are targeted towards individuals and organisations who are looking to push the boundaries and advance their contemporary arts practice.

Launched in 2019, Creative Engine is Geelong Arts Centre’s commitment towards nurturing the creative landscape of Geelong, Victoria and beyond.

Since launching Creative Engine, Geelong Arts Centre has invested in 963 Victorian artists, developed 133 projects, delivered 82 grants, 34 professional development initiatives and 9 co-commissions.

The support provided for Victorian artists through Creative Engine covers funding, development and commissions as well as venue hire, staff and equipment costs to the value of $1.2 Million.

From theatre, scriptwriting to dance, music, digital and community-based practices, artists across all live performance mediums from Geelong or with a connection to the region are encouraged to apply.

First Nations artists and artists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with additional access supports available.

Creative Engine is supported by the Ian Potter Foundation, expanding and enhancing the flagship development program by offering a range of new initiatives tailored to the needs of developing artists in the region.

CREATIVE ENGINE GRANTS

IGNITION
2 x $5,000 grants, plus five days of in-kind studio access for creative development/rehearsal.
Support in getting early-stage project ideas off the ground and ready to share with the world.

JUMP START
2 x $3,000 grants, plus five days of in-kind studio access for creative development/rehearsal.
Offers a testing ground for performance artists to experiment, evolve, and refine their ideas.

PLACE TO MAKE
2 x five days of in-kind studio access for creative development/rehearsal plus three months of in-kind desk access in Geelong Arts Centre’s Merge co-working space.
For early ideas that need time and space to grow and take shape.

An additional $2,000 in access costs is also available for all grants to cover access supports such as Auslan interpretation, note taking and other needs to assist artists with accessibility requirements.

Applications are now open
Applications Close: 9:00am, Monday 18 August 2025

Visit: geelongartscentre.org.au/creative-engine

Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Major Artistic Partner, the Ian Potter Foundation, Deakin University, and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management.